Birds as prey: Expanding the dietary niche of Neotropical Spilotes snakes with the description of the anti-predator responses of birds

Author(s)

Diaz-Ricaurte, Juan C. ; Antunez-Fonseca, Cristopher A. ; Perdomo, Adrian ; Garavito-David, Yulfreiler ; Bonilla, Josue H. ; Lucas, Marcelo Stefano Bellini ; Bolochio, Cristiane Espinosa ; Igayara, Claudia Almeida ; Brito, Tiago R. Silva ; Travaglia-cardoso, Silvia R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: North-Western Journal of Zoology; v. 20, n. 2, p. 7-pg., 2024-12-01.

Abstract

The diet of Neotropical colubrids is primarily based on anurans and lizards, although Spilotes is known to predominantly feed on small warm-blooded species such as rodents, bats, and birds. We present a review of the prey of the genus Spilotes throughout its known distribution, including two new records of predation on two avian chicks. We describe the anti-predator behaviors exhibited by the parents of the preyed-upon birds in response to snakes. Finally, we review the predators of the bird species involved in the predation events. We found 23 prey records for S. pullatus, 12 for S. sulphureus, and none for S. megalolepis. For the reported bird prey, we identified nine predators targeting M. pitangua and two targeting the genus Harpagus. Our review indicates that Spilotes primarily feeds on vertebrates, with birds and small mammals being the most frequent prey items. While birds employ various anti-predator behaviors, such as mobbing, these defenses often prove ineffective against predators like snakes. Despite its wide distribution and common occurrence in the Neotropics, detailed dietary information on the genus Spilotes remains scarce. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/14087-2 - Thermal tolerances of amphibians and reptiles from the Cerrado, Atlantic Forest and Pantanal: relationships with ecological aspects and implications for conservation
• Grantee: Juan Camilo Diaz Ricaurte
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral